Titans make big splash in signing Bud Dupree to huge contract

Bud Dupree will be paid like a top pass-rusher by the Tennessee Titans

One season after finishing with one of the worst pass rushes in the NFL, the Tennessee Titans are upgrading at all levels. After addressing the defensive line, now they turn to the outside linebacker.

Here’s hoping Jon Robinson won’t have buyer’s remorse on the recent move.

The Titans have agreed to terms with former Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree. The deal is expected to be a multi-year plan with an average salary of $16.5 million per season.

Dupree played last season with the Steelers on the franchise tag following a breakout performance in 2019. In Week 11, Dupree would tear his ACL, missing the final five games of the regular season.

In six seasons with the Steelers, Dupree recorded 231 total tackles, 54 tackles for losses, 11 pass deflections, eight forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and an interception.

Is signing Bud Dupree a bad move for the Titans?

The Titans were one of three teams last season to record less than 20 sacks on the year. They also ranked dead last on stopping teams on third down, allowing opponents to convert over 56 percent of the time.

There is no denying that Robinson needed to write a new tune in the music cities pass-rushing department. The problem is, Dupree is coming off of a significant injury and most of his production came later in his career. Was he a one-year wonder?

Earlier this month, FanSided’s Matt Lombardo spoke to a current coach who believed that Dupree could have the Jadeveon Clowney effect. Instead of taking a massive deal that could come with buyer’s remorse, Dupree would take a team-friendly one and bet on himself.

“Bud Dupree is someone that is a real question mark for me,” a current head coach told FanSided. “If he was healthy, he’s easily the top pass-rusher hitting the open market, and teams would pay a king’s ransom to sign him. But, with him coming off a torn ACL, what exactly are you committing to?”

As the AFC South looks to be a two-team race for 2021, Tennessee is going all-in at addressing a massive need. Earlier Monday, the team agreed to terms with defensive lineman and pass-rushing specialist Denico Autry.

If Dupree is healthy, this could be the signing needed for Tennessee’s defense to thrive.